U.K. Public Libraries on the Web
News Item (cadieux@librarybook.com)
Sat, 27 Sep 1997 09:23:05 -0400
Date: Sat, 27 Sep 1997 09:23:05 -0400
Message-Id: <3.0.32.19970927092647.007b8100@librarybook.com>
From: News Item <cadieux@librarybook.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list <conntech>
Subject: U.K. Public Libraries on the Web
Conntechers:
Here's a fine site with over 90 links to
U.K. PUBLIC LIBRARIES ON THE WEB:
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/square/ac940/weblibs.html
(Last updated Sept. 15, 1997)
-------------------------------------------------
On a related note, Chris Smith, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and
Sport in the U.K., said (on Sept. 23)...
Public libraries have an exciting future as the hub of community life, but
they must adapt to modern challenges to achieve it.
"When public libraries were first established in the middle of the last
century their primary purpose was seen as educational. This basic
principle remains equally valid today, although the context in which that
service is delivered has changed dramatically.
"But like any organisation, public libraries and the people who run them
must adapt and respond to change, or risk becoming marginalised and
peripheral to the needs of the communities they serve.
"We see library buildings not as mere bricks and mortar but as catalysts
for involvement. As well as being - in a real sense - universities for all,
libraries are often the first place of contact between members of the
community and their local authority. I would like libraries to develop that
position and become the hub of community life. I would like them to be not
books and information, but actively embrace their community by thinking of
new and imaginative ways in which they can be used to this end."
Mr Smith highlighted the importance of the Library and Information
Commission's report on harnessing Information Technology developments--now
being finalised and due to be published next month. Its proposals would
transform libraries and what they do.
"The report presents a compelling argument for libraries to be at the
leading edge of technological change. It sees libraries as providing a
bridge between the ordinary citizen and the wealth of knowledge and
information available globally. It effectively throws down the gauntlet
not only to Government, but to the libraries sector and our technology and
communications industries to seize the moment and redefine the very nature
of the public library service.
"The Government will seek to make an early response to the various
recommendations it contains. But I believe the report will represent a
defining moment not just for public libraries, but for the sector as a whole."
Above article slightly edited for ConnTech.
Please read full text at:
http://www.coi.gov.uk/coi/depts/GHE/coi2702d.ok
Posted by:
Joseph Cadieux
Kent Memorial Library
Suffield, CT 06078